Superpower United States VS the tiny state of Singapore.

Republic of Singapore (also called lion city) is a Southeast Asian sovereign city-state (one of only three in the world, and the only one that is also an island country) off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, 137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Strait of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the Singapore Strait to its south. The country is highly urbanised with very little primary rainforest remaining, although more land is being created for development through land reclamation. Hence it has had a massive increase in wealth, and is one of the Four Asian Tigers. Singapore is the world's fourth-leading financial centre, and its port is one of the five busiest ports in the world. The economy depends heavily on exports and refining imported goods, especially in manufacturing, which constitutes well over 26% of Singapore's GDP. In terms of purchasing power parity, Singapore has the third-highest per capita income in the world today. Singapore is a unitary multiparty parliamentary republic with a Westminster system of unicameral parliamentary government. Slightly over five million people live in Singapore, of which 2.91 million were born locally. The population is highly diverse; the majority are Chinese with almost 75% of the total population, while Malays and Indians forming significant minorities. Reflecting this diversity, the country has four official languages: English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil. The history of Singapore dates to the 11th century. This small Island state came into limelight in 1994 when it stood up to United States of America. To non Singaporeans it may appear barbaric but the Singapore government till date is certain that caning of a young American had a deterrent effect on potential criminals. But the sentencing of a young American (even after the US government appealed that they would want their citizen to be handed over to them without the punishment being carried out) but rather carried out the court sentence of to six strokes of the dreaded stick (cane) this incident brought the practice sharply into diplomatic focus. American representatives had interfered on behalf of Michael Peter Fay, 18, from St Louis, Missouri, who has pleaded guilty in a Singapore court to two charges of vandalism involving spray-painting cars, two of mischief for throwing eggs at cars, and one of retaining stolen property. The use of the cane was criticised by the than State Department annual human rights annual report. But till date the state of Singapore has active warm diplomatic/business relations with the US. Perhaps the (Arab) oil rich and other Muslims countries of today, might also want to look into history and take some lessons from episodes like these. Pakistan too who handed over an American citizen Raymond Davis who murdered its own security officials on the streets of Lahore could also learn some lessons which yet is another example of the third world countries stooping down to this mighty powers pressures. I really salute those countries that have their own independent thinking and keep their citizens and their countries honor and respect in the fore front. The problem with all Muslim countries of today is that they want the world to respect them, but they by themselves won’t do anything at all to earn it. And whosoever has the courage to point towards their omission and commissions, automatically qualifies to be an enemy of Muslims and Islam. But on the other hand (most) Muslim rulers are notorious for looting their own country’s resources and keep their assets hidden in the west, which they publically preach and claim to be their culture and religions enemies. Thus further hoodwinking the general public they govern. And it also is a known fact the general public of those very states seems to have become so used to these unfair practices they finally perhaps have decided to also turn a blind eye. So till the day the grassroots decides to question these so called rulers, it is business as usual. Guess till someone maybe a group or an individual decide to dig into history and get inspiration and create awareness amongst the masses to stand up for their own rights and question the highhandedness of these so called looters “oops” rulers who mange to play both sides of the fence and (often) successfully. Things unfortunately might not ever change for these oppressed societies. As we all must remember that “God (only) helps those who (decide to) help themselves”.

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